Security guard who took EAMC doc hostage positive for COVID-19 —cop

The security guard who took a doctor hostage at the East Avenue Medical Center last Tuesday tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

A Dobol B sa News TV report by Allan Gatus on Friday said this piece of information was disclosed by Quezon City Police District chief Police Brigadier General Ronnie Montejo.

Montejo said suspect Hilarion Achondo experienced chest pains, prompting cops to take him to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center. It was then found out that he is infected with coronavirus.

"Doon sa nang-hostage ng doctor sa East Avenue Medical Center, the other night nag-complain siya na nahirapan siya huminga kaya dinala siya sa ospital... Unfortunately, lumabas din ang resulta ng swab test niya kahapon, nagpositive so at present tuloy lang 'yung ano niya sa ospital, pinabantayan na lang natin..." Montejo said.

The report said the cops who had responded in the hostage-taking drama are already under quarantine. Montejo said in the coming days, the policemen would undergo swab testing.

The QCPD chief mentioned that Achondo had already been inquested.

"Nainquest na rin po siya for crime of grave threats, grave coercion and alarm and scandal," Montejo said.

In a separate Dobol B sa News TV interview, East Avenue Medical Center emergency room head Dr. Willie Saludares said it is not required that the medical personnel assigned at the area where the hostage-taking took place, undergo self quarantine.

Saludares, however, said the matter would still be consulted with the city specialist. He said doctors at the emergency room are properly protected.

"'Yun naman pong pinagdalhan sa pasyente ay 'yun naman po 'yung aming COVID emergency room so lahat po ng suspect doon po dinadala kaya ang mga tauhan po namin doon ay naka-complete na PPE," Saludares said.

"Mayroon naman po kasing pagaaral na ginawa na pagka ang pasyente at doktor ay protektado pareho, naka-mask at PPE, maliit naman po ang tsansa na mahawa..." he added.

He said operations in the hospital would continue. —LBG/RSJ, GMA News